Can Blood Stains Be Dangerous?

An inevitable truth is that accidents happen. As much as we would like to think that we can prevent them from occurring, there is absolutely no way to anticipate when and where an incident involving blood spillage might take place. While it is important to focus on ways to try to prevent accidents, it is just as important to know how to handle the situation after an accident. Exposure to blood and blood stains affects everyone across all ages, demographics, and walks of life, which brings us to the main question: are blood stains dangerous?

Short answer: yes, exposure to blood stains can be dangerous and should be handled with caution. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), blood is one of the most potentially hazardous substances to clean up. Blood of any kind can expose you to a number of bloodborne pathogens: HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, MRSA, and other transmittable diseases. Even dried blood can be dangerous since certain bloodborne viruses can live for days outside the body and still cause infection. For example, the Hepatitis B virus can live in dried blood for up to a week and Hepatitis C can survive for up to four days.

Is it Safe to Clean Up Blood Myself?

If a blood spill is small enough that it isn’t pooling, you can probably clean it up without help. But if the blood does start to pool, or if the spill occurs on a porous surface such as carpet, wood, cloth, or some plastics, then call a professional cleaning service like Crime Scene Clean-Up. From Jacksonville to Yuma, we use specialized testing for pathogens and can help make critical decisions to ensure that all risk of future exposure is eliminated.

If you’re an owner or employee of a business from Lexington to Oklahoma, it’s imperative that you follow OSHA regulations with regard to biohazard and blood cleanup. There are government-mandated criteria that businesses must meet in order to be compliant, such as employee bloodborne training. Professional cleanup services like Crime Scene Clean-Up are fully certified and compliant with government regulations.

How to Safely Clean Small Blood Spills

If you do decide to clean up a blood spill on your own – here are a few important tips to keep in mind:

1. Use protective equipment such as gloves, gowns, and protective eyewear.
2. Clean the affected area at least three times.
3. Use a disinfectant product with a broad spectrum kill claim.
4. Carefully dispose of all materials and double bag with a durable trash bag. Be sure to seal the bag and clearly define the contents by using  a biohazard label.
5. Thoroughly wash hands and arms with warm water. Disinfectant soap after cleaning.

Although crime scene cleaning is not an officially regulated industry, there are restrictions, regulations, and guidelines that all professionals must follow to ensure public health and safety. The best way to protect yourself and your loved one’s from potentially lethal infections is to contact a professional bioremediation company.